What do you have for arrangements for your house while away?

[canadianoverlanders]

The reason I'm asking we live off grid. I am talking not hooked in to the power grid, completely off the power grid and isolated but within an hour of a city. We have a solar system and you wouldn't know we're off grid except for the big solar array. We heat with a wood cook stove. We do have propane backup furnace (couldn't get house insurance without it) plus a propane cook stove for the summer months. We have a deep well for water.
We have been having friends and family stay at our place when we go overlanding for more than a couple days but I can see that getting old.
My question is what do you folks do when you go on several weeks to several month long expeditions?
I'm looking for suggestion and ideas.


Sent from my iPad using OB Talk

 

[TreXTerra]

The longest I've been out is three weeks, but that wasn't an overlanding trip. I tell my neighbors to keep an eye on the place (a detective, a retiree who is usually home, and a former Marine scout sniper - we have a very secure circle). I have my brother come by to water plants and such, he lives about a mile away.

Other than that, not much. I make sure everyone has my contact information so they can reach me if there is an emergency. Each of my family members has a key, and my neighbor has the code to the garage in case he needs access or to borrow tools.

 

[The other Sean]

The longest I've been out is three weeks, but that wasn't an overlanding trip. I tell my neighbors to keep an eye on the place (a detective, a retiree who is usually home, and a former Marine scout sniper - we have a very secure circle). I have my brother come by to water plants and such, he lives about a mile away.

Other than that, not much. I make sure everyone has my contact information so they can reach me if there is an emergency. Each of my family members has a key, and my neighbor has the code to the garage in case he needs access or to borrow tools.

Pretty much that. I've driven up to my uncles cabin to stay a night or two during the winter months, mainly to put more tire tracks in the snow / see a vehicle parked / lights on and off / people occupying the cabin. The more lived in a place looks, the better for prying eyes.

 

[Steve]

Same sort of thing here. Longest has been almost two months. Good neighbors watch for problems, daughter stops in every week. We have security cameras I can watch from my phone if I have service. Lights on intermittent timers.

Also, the local police have a vacation watch service. They keep an eye on the house, stop now and then to check the doors and windows, etc.


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

 

[OKT4RCPL]

I have a mother in law I dont wanna take with me so she baby sits the house and dogs when we dont bring them. As long as she has TV and junk food she is happy and hates going outside. Win Win for me .

 

[Edward Gentle]

We have cameras also that we can see if we have service. My son also comes by and checks on the place. We also have wonderful neighbors that keep a close eye on the place. Of course the security system monitors everything and will the company will notify the police.

 

[Murphy Slaw]

I have my brother feed my 90 lb Catahoula every few days.

He takes care of the rest.

 

[Neil Q Smith]

Its an interesting question, that we all have to consider.

Whenever possible, we offer our fjord-side house (and boat) to members of our family, for use as "holiday home" whilst we are away.
This sometimes works out nicely, so that they not only get to stay for free, and we have security of house occupation, but also the 2 dogs and cat also can stay home, if they are not allowed / planned to attend our trip.

Having a home security system from a reputable security company, with cameras & response services, also helps.

Good neighbours, who are well informed, and have a spare key for access if required, are also invaluable - anything unusual would be reported.

What is always an issue, is publishing daily blog material whilst on a trip, essentially advertising your presence away from home.
Take care - its nice to show folks what you are experiencing whilst away, but if this information reaches the wrong person, its an open invitation for thieves.

Occupation, or the perception of occupation, is probably the key issue.
If it looks like someone is occupying the house, due to lights on, sounds, etc. then opportunist thieves tend to move on to easier targets.